FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

If you are unable to find an answer to your question(s) here, please submit your question(s) HERE. 

Why are certain VCE subjects not offered in some years at BSC?

This is something that staff have reviewed for next year and, unfortunately, we cannot offer Global Politics in 2026. Many factors influence offerings. The predominant factors are student preferences, teaching staff availability and affordability.

Why is the timeline on subject selection so tight?

The school needs to be able to start planning timetables and staffing for the next year, which requires a large lead time. While the timeline of the Subject Selection Portal is quick, conversations around Subject Selection have usually started weeks earlier in Home Group. 

How does a VET subject contribute to my ATAR?

If your score for VET is in your top 4 subjects, it is guaranteed to contribute to your ATAR, even if you finish it early in Year 11. Any scores in Year 12 Early Start programs, whether VCE or VET, are recorded and remain in the mix for calculating your ATAR when you finish all Year 12 subjects the following year.

How do I choose which Maths subject to do in Year 10?

This will depend on what type of learning pathway and career you would like to pursue, as some tertiary courses require prerequisite studies. Students will be advised by their Year 9 Maths teacher.

Check out the Maths Pathways page on this website for more information to help with your decision.

Is group or individual tutoring for 10A Maths outside of class time?

Maths Help session is run after school once per week as part of the BSC Co-curricular Program (CCP).

Check with your Maths teacher for details. 

Is Maths compulsory in Years 11 and 12?

Maths is not a compulsory subject in VCE. However, there are some university courses which require Maths or Science as a prerequisite, making it compulsory if you would like to study those courses. These include some courses in science, engineering, data science, cybersecurity for example. 

Check prerequisites HERE and be sure to book in to discuss your options with the Pathways Counsellor.

Can I do Maths Methods in year 10 without a 75% average in Year 9 Maths?

Maths recommendations are based on more than just assessment scores - your work ethic, work completion, and work practices are also taken into consideration. Speak with your Maths teacher and the Maths Head of Learning for further information. 

Why would I do an Early start subject in Year 10?

There are a number of advantages to beginning your VCE studies in Year 10.  Check out the Early Start subject page on this website for more information.

If I express interest to do an Early Start VCE subject but don’t get a place in the course, can I still study the equivalent subject in Year 10?

Yes. When submitting your preferences, you should put the VCE Early Start subject first, then your English subject, then the Year 10 equivalent to the Early Start subject. 

If you are accepted for the Early Start subject this will cancel out the Year 10 equivalent selection.  For example,   you may want to study VCE Psychology as an Early Start subject.  In this instance you would begin your list of preferences as follows:

1. VCE Psychology

2. English, English Language or Literature

3. Year 10 Psychology

4. .....etc

Should I pick my favourite subject when expressing interest in Early Start?

Your favourite subject is the one in which you are likely to do best. 

We want you to save that for when you are in Year 12 so this subject is with you during the most challenging year. 

Also, in Early Start, you learn the expectations and work demands of VCE studies. 

We would not like you to be learning these practicalities in your favourite subject. We recommend choosing your second favourite subject for Early Start.

If I do an Early Start VCE subject and don’t perform as well as I had hoped, can I re-do the subject the following year?

Yes, however we would recommend that you consider putting your effort into a new subject. 

If you're unsure about whether to enrol in an Early Start subject, it may be better to focus on getting the best possible results in standard Year 10 subjects instead,.  In this way you will use the year to ensure a strong foundation and adequate preparation for your VCE studies.

Can I express interest in more than one VCE Early Start subject?

Yes. If there is more than one subject you would consider studying, you may express interest in them. This does not guarantee enrolment however.

Can I study more than one VCE Early start subject?

Yes, you can - but should you? 

Consider the potential workload that two VCE subjects will require. This workload would impact your other studies as well as your interests and commitments outside of school.

If you do Early Start, you need to be able to devote enough time to it as well as to  enjoy the experience.